Arsenal round-up: Cech likely to start; Munich won’t match Sanchez offer; Pires on Wenger future

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Arsenal face a defensive crisis this weekend and it was thought that David Ospina could be given the nod to start at Wembley. However, Arsene Wenger has hinted that Petr Cech will start in goal for the Gunners in the FA Cup final.

Although Ospina has been the team’s cup goalkeeper this season, he didn’t start in either of the last two rounds and it is expected that he won’t be recalled on Saturday.

His long-term future at the club is currently uncertain as he is unhappy with the lack of first-team football and if he isn’t on the team-sheet to face Chelsea, the odds on him leaving will drop further.

The Guardian reported the following quotes from the Gunners boss when asked about whether Ospina was his cup goalkeeper:

“No. In the semi-final [against City], Cech played. Will Cech play against Chelsea? It is possible. We will see.”

Considering the selection problems that Wenger is having to deal with this weekend, it is a smart decision to start Petr Cech. He offers experience and will be able to help organise a makeshift back four. Despite Ospina being a good number two, he isn’t as good as Cech and for that reason, it is the right move for Arsenal to start with their number one.

The speculation about Arsene Wenger’s future refuses to go away and there will be a lot of opinions passed on the manager during the coming days. The Mirror report comments from former Gunners winger Robert Pires and the Frenchman has placed faith in his former boss to carry on in the job.

“I hope he will extend his contract. This is the man for Arsenal. I know a lot of Arsenal fans don’t have the same opinion as me. I understand the fans because I agree, the players agree — the unique obsession is to win the Premier League. But sometimes you can and sometimes you can’t, because Chelsea is better than you.”

It is a difficult debate, as Wenger has been a great servant to Arsenal football club and done a great job since taking charge in North London. However, this season has seen his side regress and they will be the only top-six side not to be in next year’s Champions League.

That is a huge disappointment and the club will face the consequences this summer, as players may be less interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium. The FA Cup could paper over some of the cracks, but regardless of the result, the Gunners won’t have had a good campaign.

Bayern Munich are seen as one of the frontrunners for the signing of Alexis Sanchez this summer, but they won’t break their wage structure to secure his services. Bild report that the Chilean has been offered a contract extension at the Emirates Stadium worth just over €20 million per year.

They go on to state that he will not receive a similar package in Germany, as Robert Lewandowski is currently the top earner with around a €16 million per year deal. If the attacker does move to the Allianz Arena, it will be for footballing reasons rather than an increased financial package.

It is interesting that Bild are reporting a new contract offer from Arsenal, as it shows the desire to keep him at the club remains, despite the issues that he has caused this season.

Given his age, it is unlikely that the Chilean international will be willing to stay in North London and compete in the Europa League. He needs to be playing at the highest level and Bayern Munich provide the best option for the Gunners if they are forced to sell, as they won’t want to lose him to a rival club.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Stuart MacFarlane